'BOLD plans' to increase the number of fire engines and create specialist fire stations across Merseyside have been unanimously approved.

The 'innovative' proposals - put forward by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan as part of an overall plan to revamp the emergency service's cover across the county - were backed by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority during a meeting on Wednesday.

It follows a lengthy period of cuts which have resulted in the loss of fire stations, fire engines and firefighters.

The plans include:

  • Increasing the number of available fire engines from 29 (plus the Special Rescue Appliance) to 31 (plus the Special Rescue Appliance). This will be achieved through the expansion of the innovative hybrid duty system, a system first introduced by the Service in 2018 in order to protect night-time cover at Liverpool City and Wallasey Fire Stations.
  • The merger of the stations at Aintree and Croxteth to create a superstation along with a new Training and Development Academy to be built on land at Long Lane, Aintree. A separate 12-week public consultation on this proposal will begin on July 15.
  • The combination of the duty systems at Liverpool City and Kensington fire stations to create a Dual Station Hybrid – including a specialist command and control function
  • Introduction of a High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) appliance at St Helens to replace the complementary crewed combined platform ladder. This type of appliance would allow us to fight all normal fires, but can also be used as a water tower and has a lance that can be used to pierce roof spaces or light industrial buildings
  • The introduction of our drone (aerial) capability after being agreed in our previous IRMP. This capability will be managed by the Protection team and will also be used day to day to support their work auditing high risk premises.

A 12-week public consultation on the plans took place between March 1 and May 24, with the Fire & Rescue Authority.

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Firefighters in action. Picture: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

As part of the plans, MFRS’ specialist appliances will move to locations where there is more likelihood of a particular type of risk occurring. This will create specialist capability fire stations and give firefighters extra training to ensure they have a higher level of knowledge about these risks and how to deal with them.

Cllr Les Byrom, Chair of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, said: "After years of relentless government cutbacks, it is refreshing to see such bold and innovative plans from our Chief Fire Officer to ensure we have the best possible fire and rescue service for the people of Merseyside.

"I applaud Chief Garrigan and thank everyone who took part in the public consultation. The Authority will continue to work closely with the Chief Fire Officer, officers, staff and representative bodies to oppose any further government budget cuts to ensure Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is able to continue to grow and the fire and rescue service that the people of Merseyside deserve."

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Firefighters in action. Picture: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

Chief Garrigan said: "I have no doubt in my mind that these plans will make us more resilient, more effective and quicker to respond, whilst ensuring we are equipped to meet the demands placed on a modern day fire and rescue service.

"I thank the Authority for recognising the importance of these changes and for helping us to protect the public of Merseyside now and in the future.

"I have spoken previously about my vision for the Service and I firmly believe we are the best fire and rescue service in the country with the very best people at our core.

"Whether they are answering 999 calls, attending incidents, fitting smoke alarms, delivering fire safety advice to residents and businesses, or working behind the scenes to keep our Service running, our staff are truly incredible.

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Firefighters in action. Picture: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

"After what has been one of the most difficult years we as a country have ever faced - a year that has seen our staff go above and beyond to keep the public safe through extraordinary means - it is only right that we say enough is enough to years of cutbacks.

"Now is the time to usher in a period of renewed optimism and investment in resources that reflect the risks we face and the commitment and professionalism of our operational and support staff."

Detail on the 12-week public consultation on the merger of Aintree and Croxteth fire stations, and the development of a new training and development academy will be published soon.

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Firefighters in action. Picture: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service